Manually controlled and driven resistance exercise machine

ABSTRACT

A manually controlled and driven resistance exercise machine is provided. The exercise machine enables a user to stimulate his/her muscles by various concentric, isometric and/or eccentric exercises. The machine has a generally horizontal platform and a vertical tower wherein both the generally horizontal platform and the vertical tower have an interior which contain a rope, gears and/or a pulley. A second person manually controls the resistance and velocity of the rope by controlling a crank or wench on the vertical tower. The person exercising consistently pushes up on the bar, handles, straps, hooks or the like while the second person alters the downward force of the bar, handles, straps, hooks or the like by controlling the crank or wench.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A manually controlled and driven resistance exercise machine isprovided. The exercise machine enables a user to safely and meaningfullystimulate his/her muscles by various concentric, isometric and/oreccentric exercises. The machine has a generally horizontal platform anda vertical tower wherein both the generally horizontal platform and thevertical tower have an interior which contain a rope, gears and/or apulley. The rope engages the gears and/or pulley of the interior of thegenerally horizontal platform and then extends up through an opening ofthe platform so that a person exercising, training, conditioning orundergoing rehabilitation pushes upward on a bar, handles, straps, hooksor the like secured to the rope. A second person manually controls theresistance and velocity of the rope by controlling a crank or wench onthe vertical tower. The person exercising consistently pushes up on thebar, handles, straps, hooks or the like while the second person altersthe downward force of the bar, handles, straps, hooks or the like bycontrolling the crank or wench. The downward force on the bar, handles,straps, hooks or the like is predominately controlled by the secondperson and not by gravity (as is used in traditional weight benches orother exercise devices). As a result, the exercise machine issubstantially safer than traditional exercise machines in that a user isprevented from dropping a substantial amount of weight on his/her chestwhile performing, for example, a bench lift.

Over the years, attempts have been made to provide a manually controlledexercise machine. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,803,095 to LaGreediscloses an exercise machine that enables a user to perform a varietyof repetitive exercises in reclined, sitting and standing positions. Themachine permits a user to perform exercises not possible on atraditional Pilates Reformer machine. The machine includes a frame withparallel side rails formed of extrusions, with a carriage that ismounted for rolling movement along the frame. A plurality of tensionsprings are selectively detachable/attachable to the end of the frame,to allow the user to decrease/increase the tension on the carriage.Angularly adjustable crossbars are mounted at both the head and footends of the frame, as are stationary platforms for the user's feetand/or hands; in addition, a raised transverse bar is mounted at thehead end of the rolling platform. The combination of platforms and barsenables the user to perform a variety of exercises in standingpositions. The frame includes legs that raise the side rails above thefloor. A barbell rack and storage tray are mounted between the rails soas to be positioned generally beneath the frame, and are accessiblevertically through the open space between the rails when the rollingplatform is retracted by the springs to the foot end of the assembly.

Further, U.S. Pat. No. 5,447,484 to Chandler discloses an exercisedevice having a tether rope that extends longitudinally through anelongated rigid tubular member, and terminates in gripping handles thatare held by the exercising person while standing upon the tubularmember. The tubular member is pivotably mounted at its centerpoint uponholding plates upwardly emergent from the upper surface of a baseplatform, thereby having see-saw motion in a vertical plane. Anelongated aperture is disposed in the upper surface of the base platformto receive the extremities of the tubular member as they are depressedalternately during the exercise activity.

Still further, U.S. Pat. No. 4,787,630 to Watson discloses an exercisedevice having a rotatably interconnected base and platform assemblies.The base assembly is adapted to rock back and forth on a floor or otherhorizontal surface and a person using the device stands, sits, kneels orlays on the platform assembly. The device is adjustable whereby thepermitted range of movement can be widely varied. Ropes, springs,elastic cords or poles can be grasped by a person using the device forbalance and for upper body exercise.

However, these patents fail to describe a manually controlled and drivenresistive exercise machine which is easy to use, safe and efficient asis described in the present application. Further, these patents fail toprovide a manually operated exercise machine which is controlled by asecond person (such as a trainer, healthcare provider or spotter) whilea first person (the exercising person) exercises.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A manually controlled and driven resistance exercise machine isprovided. The exercise machine enables a user to safely and meaningfullystimulate his/her muscles by various concentric, isometric and/oreccentric exercises. The machine has a generally horizontal platform anda vertical tower wherein both the generally horizontal platform and thevertical tower have an interior which contain a rope, gears and/or apulley. The rope engages the gears and/or pulley of the interior of thegenerally horizontal platform and then extends up through an opening ofthe platform so that a person exercising, training, conditioning orundergoing rehabilitation pushes upward on a bar, handles, straps, hooksor the like secured to the rope. A second person manually controls theresistance and velocity of the rope by controlling a crank or wench onthe vertical tower. The person exercising consistently pushes up on thebar, handles, straps, hooks or the like while the second person altersthe downward force of the bar, handles, straps, hooks or the like bycontrolling the crank or wench. The downward force on the bar, handles,straps, hooks or the like is predominately controlled by the secondperson and not by gravity (as is used in traditional weight benches orother exercise devices). As a result, the exercise machine issubstantially safer than traditional exercise machines in that a user isprevented from dropping a substantial amount of weight on his/her chestwhile performing, for example, a bench lift.

An advantage of the present exercise device is that the present exercisedevice is safe in that if the person exercising completely stops pushingupward or otherwise cannot provide proper resistance to a bar, handles,straps, hooks or the like, then the bar, handles, straps, hooks or thelike would not be suddenly forced down upon the person exercising aswould normally occur in, for example, a free weight bench press.

An advantage of the present exercise device is that the present exercisedevice requires no external power source.

And another advantage of the present exercise device is that the presentexercise device allows a second person (an operator such as a trainer,healthcare provider or spotter) to manually control the resistanceand/or velocity of the bar, handles, straps, hooks or the like of thedevice while the first person (the patient or person exercising) usingthe exercise device performs the exercise.

Still another advantage of the present exercise device is that thepresent exercise device has a generally flat horizontal platform portionin which multiple benches, chairs and/or free standing positions may beused.

Another advantage of the present exercise device is that a second personmay alter the resistance and/or velocity of the exercise being performedby the first person while the first person is in the act of exercising.

And an advantage of the present exercise device is that the presentexercise device may have a tower stabilization handle on the towerportion which helps balance and stabilize the second person (theoperator) while the first person (the person exercising) is using thedevice.

And another advantage of the present exercise device is that the presentdevice allows a user to experience infinite training and/orrehabilitation protocols due to the multi-functionality of the presentexercise device.

Another advantage of the present exercise device is that the presentdevice allows for quickly modifying the exercise protocol variables suchas concentric loading, isometric loading, eccentric loading, time undertension, etc. all with the same piece of equipment.

Yet another advantage of the present exercise device is that the presentexercise device has a plurality of adjustable feet which allows theexercise device to be properly leveled on a floor or allows the user toelectively select an incline for the platform.

Still another advantage of the present exercise device is that thepresent device induces muscular growth in a safe manner.

And another advantage of the present exercise device is that the presentexercise device may allow the second person to apply resistance to abar, handles, straps, hooks or the like at approximately an 18:1 ratio.

For a more complete understanding of the above listed features andadvantages of the present manually controlled and driven exercise devicereference should be made to the detailed description and the drawings.Further, additional features and advantages of the invention aredescribed in, and will be apparent from, the detailed description of thepreferred embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of the exercise machine.

FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of the interior of the generallyhorizontal platform of the exercise machine.

FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of the generally vertical tower of theexercise machine.

FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of the generally vertical tower of theexercise machine.

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of the exercise machine wherein a firstperson is exercising and wherein a second person is controlling theresistance of the exercise bar while the first person is exercising.

FIG. 6 illustrates a back view of the exercise machine wherein a firstperson is pushing up on a bar attached to the ropes of the exercisemachine.

FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative embodiment wherein the exercisemachine lacks a vertical tower and wherein a manual resistance crankoperated by a second person is located on the top of the generallyhorizontal platform of the exercise machine.

FIG. 8 illustrates a top view of the exercise machine wherein handlesare secured to the rope as opposed to an exercise bar (as shown in FIG.6).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A manually controlled and driven resistance exercise machine isprovided. The exercise machine enables a user to safely and meaningfullystimulate his/her muscles by various concentric, isometric and/oreccentric exercises. The machine has a generally horizontal platform anda vertical tower wherein both the generally horizontal platform and thevertical tower have an interior which contain a rope, gears and/or apulley. The rope engages the gears and/or pulley of the interior of thegenerally horizontal platform and then extends up through an opening ofthe platform so that a person exercising, training, conditioning orundergoing rehabilitation pushes upward on a bar, handles, straps, hooksor the like secured to the rope. A second person manually controls theresistance and velocity of the rope by controlling a crank or wench onthe vertical tower. The person exercising consistently pushes up on thebar, handles, straps, hooks or the like while the second person altersthe downward force of the bar, handles, straps, hooks or the like bycontrolling the crank or wench. The downward force on the bar, handles,straps, hooks or the like is predominately controlled by the secondperson and not by gravity (as is used in traditional weight benches orother exercise devices). As a result, the exercise machine issubstantially safer than traditional exercise machines in that a user isprevented from dropping a substantial amount of weight on his/her chestwhile performing, for example, a bench lift.

Referring first to FIG. 1, in an embodiment, a manually operatedexercise machine 1 is provided. The manually operated exercise machine 1may have a generally horizontal platform portion 10 and a generallyvertical tower portion 20. In an embodiment, the generally horizontalplatform 10 may have a top 2, a bottom 3, a front 4, a back 5, a firstside 6, a second side 7 (FIG. 2) and an interior 8. Preferably thegenerally horizontal platform portion 10 is durable, capable ofsupporting the weight of a large person. In particular, the horizontalplatform portion 10 may be made of, for example, a durable metal havingrubber and/or plastic components.

In an embodiment, the distance from the top 2 of the generallyhorizontal platform 10 to the bottom 3 of the generally horizontalplatform 10 may define a height 15 of the generally horizontal platform10. Although the height 15 of the generally horizontal platform 10 mayvary a great deal, the height 15 is preferably between eight inches andtwenty-four inches. In particular, the height 15 should be large enoughso that the interior 8 of the generally horizontal platform portion 10may house and protect internal gears (or pulleys) 60 and ropes (orstraps or chains) 61. The term rope 61 or ropes 61 as used throughoutthis application should not be interpreted as limiting, but instead mayinclude any similar device such as, for example, chains, nylonstrappings, cable wires or the like.

In an embodiment, the ropes 61 may be secured to a bar, handles, straps,hooks or the like 225 wherein a first person 280 (FIG. 5) appliesconsistent pressure in pushing upward on the bar, handles, straps,bands, hooks or the like 225 while a second person 275 (thenon-exercising person) alters the downward resistance and/or velocity ofthe bar, handles, straps, hooks or the like 225. The first person 280may be generally reclined (as shown in FIG. 1) while performing theexercise, may be standing upright (as shown in FIG. 6), may be seated ina chair (not shown) or may be in virtually limitless other positionswhile exercising on the device 1. In an embodiment, the second person275 may be, for example, a trainer, healthcare practitioner or spotterwho proscribes a workout program to the first person 280 who may be, forexample, a patient or merely a person exercising.

In an embodiment, the generally vertical tower portion 20 may have a top22, a bottom 23, a front 24, a back 25, a first side 26, a second side27 (FIG. 3) and an interior 28 (FIGS. 3 and 5). In an embodiment thedistance between the front 24 and the back 25 of the generally verticaltower portion 20 may define a width 29. The width 29 of the generallyvertical tower portion 20 may be large enough so as to allow forworm/planetary gears 135 (FIG. 3) and belts 136 as described below.

In an alternative embodiment, the top 2 of the generally horizontalplatform 10 may have a slip resistant tape 30 (or other rough surface).The slip resistant tape 30 may prevent the first person 280 fromslipping on the generally horizontal platform 10 and injuringhim/herself. Further, in an embodiment, the top 2 of the generallyhorizontal platform 10 may have indicia 38 (FIG. 8) indicating theproper position to sit and or stand while using the device 1 for aspecific exercise. In FIG. 8, the indicia 38 is an outline of the properfeet orientation although any indicia may be used and/or changeddepending on the desired exercise. In an alternative embodiment, theindicia 38 is displayed on an electronic surface which may alter theindicia 38 depending on the exercise.

As stated above, located within the interior 8 of the generallyhorizontal platform 10 may be at least one internal gear (or pulley) 60and at least one rope 61. In an embodiment, the rope(s) 61 may passthrough internal pipes 65 (FIG. 2). Preferably, the internal pipes 65are PVC pipes. The internal pipes 65 may restrict the movement of theropes 61 and therein reduce the chances of the ropes 61 becoming tangledor dislodged within the interior 8 of the generally horizontal platform10. The internal gear (or pulleys) 60 may redirect the force of therope(s) 61 wherein the force originates from the rotation of a crank 75portion of the generally vertical tower portion 20. In particular, thesecond person 275 may manually turn the crank 75 of the generallyvertical tower portion 20 in order to control the ropes 61 locatedwithin the interior 8 of the generally horizontal platform 10 whereinthe ropes 61 are also secured to the worm/planetary gears 135.

In an embodiment, the generally vertical tower portion 20 may bepartially secured to the generally horizontal platform portion 10. Inparticular, the back 25 of the generally vertical tower portion 20 maybe secured to the front 4 of the generally horizontal platform 10 sothat the generally vertical tower portion 20 and the generallyhorizontal platform portion 10, when assembled into the workable device1, generally form a right angle (FIG. 1).

In an embodiment, an opening 110 (FIG. 3) may be present near the bottom23 of the generally vertical tower portion 20. Further, in anembodiment, an opening 115 (FIG. 2) may also be present at the front 4of the generally horizontal platform 10. The opening 110 at the bottom23 of the generally vertical tower portion 20 may be substantially thesame size and shape as the opening 115 of the front 4 of the generallyhorizontal platform 10 such that the opening 115 of the generallyhorizontal platform 10 aligns with the opening 110 of the bottom 23 ofthe vertical tower 20. The opening 115 of the generally horizontalplatform 10 and the opening 110 of the generally vertical tower 20 mayallow the rope(s) 61 to pass from the vertical tower 20 to the platform10 such that the force directed from the turning of the crank 75 may betransferred to the ropes 61 which extend out through the top 2 of thegenerally horizontal platform 10 (as described below).

As stated above, in an embodiment, a manual crank (or wench) 75 may beused in connection with the exercise machine 1. In particular, in anembodiment, the manual crank 75 may be used by the second person 275(FIG. 5) wherein the second person 275 may alter the resistance whilethe first person 280 is exercising or training. In an embodiment, thecrank 75 may allow the second person 275 to apply a force on the rope 61equal to approximately a 18:1 ratio. In particular, the second person275 may turn the crank 75, for example, clockwise, a slight amount tocreate a large downward pull on the ropes 61 toward the platform 10while the first person 280 is pushing up on the bar, handles, straps,hooks or the like 225 to counter the downward pulling of the bar,handles, straps, hooks or the like 225.

In an alternative embodiment, a locking device 80 (FIG. 3) may be usedin connection with the exercise machine 1. The locking device 80 mayallow the second person 275 to lock the resistance of the bar, handles,straps, hooks or the like 225 while the first person 280 is exercising.In particular, in an embodiment, the locking device 80 may simply be abar which may move from a first position to a second position withrespect to the generally vertical tower portion 20. The locking device80, when extended away from the generally vertical tower portion 20 mayprevent the crank 75 from further rotating.

In an embodiment, the generally vertical tower portion 20 may have ahandle 150 (FIGS. 1 and 4). The handle 150 may stabilize and balance thesecond person 275 while the second person 275 is operating the crank 75and while the first person 280 is on the generally horizontal platform10 performing the exercise.

In an embodiment, the front 24 of the generally vertical tower portion20 may have a padded portion 200. The padded portion 200 may have a top201, a bottom 202, a front 203, a back 204, a first side 205 and asecond side 206 (FIG. 4). The back 204 of the padded portion 200 may beremovably secured to, for example, the front 24 of the generallyvertical tower portion 20. The padded portion 200 may protect the firstperson 280 and/or second person 275 while the device 1 is in use in theevent the either person slips or otherwise inadvertently moves forwardand contacts the generally vertical tower portion 20. In an embodiment,a spacer 250 (FIG. 3) may be placed at the second side 27 of thegenerally vertical tower portion 20. The spacer 250 may provide a spacefor a side padded portion 211 (FIG. 4) which may also protect the firstperson 280 and/or the second person 275 from injury.

In an embodiment, the rope(s) 61 may have a first end 62 (FIG. 5) and asecond end 63 (FIG. 1). The first end 62 of the rope(s) 61 may besecured to, for example, the worm/planetary gears 135 which, in turn,are controlled by the manual crank 75 of the vertical tower 20. Thesecond end 63 of the rope(s) 61 may be temporarily and removeablysecured to the bar, handles, straps, hooks or the like 225. Inparticular, the second end 63 of the rope(s) 61 may be secured to thebar, handles, straps, hooks or the like 225 by, for example, a securingclip (not shown). A user may remove, for example, a weight bar (FIG. 6)and substitute the weight bar for handles (FIG. 8) or an alternativegrasping device for performing various other exercises.

As stated above, located within the interior 28 of the generallyvertical tower portion 20 may be a plurality of worm/planetary gears 135(FIG. 3) and belts 136. The plurality of worm/planetary gears 135 andbelts 136 may redirect the circular movement of the manual crank 75located near the top 22 of the vertical tower 20 to the first end 62 ofthe rope(s) 61 located at the bottom 23 of the generally vertical towerportion 20. As a result, movement of the crank 75 either tightens orloosens the first end 62 of the rope(s) 61 and therein eventually eithertightens or loosens the downward force on the bar, handles, straps,hooks or the like 225. Upon the second person 275 (the operator)manually engaging and driving the control mechanism via a crank 75, theseries of worm/planetary gears 135 may provide approximately an 18:1mechanical advantage of force.

In an embodiment, at least one opening 340 (FIG. 8) may be present onthe top 2 of the generally horizontal platform 10. Preferably, there aretwo openings 340 located approximately two to four feet apart. Theopenings 340 may be located near, for example, approximately half-waybetween the front 4 and the back 5 of the generally horizontal platform10 so as to provide the most stable exercise training for the firstperson 280. The openings 340 may allow the rope(s) 61 (which passthrough the interior 8 of the generally horizontal platform 10) to exitthe interior 8 of the platform 10 and to extend upward, away from thegenerally horizontal platform 10. Although the exact amount of rope(s)61 extending outside of the generally horizontal platform 10 may vary,preferably, the rope(s) 61 extend anywhere from one foot outside theinterior 8 of the platform 10 to approximately ten feet outside theinterior 8 of the platform 10. Extending the rope(s) 61 outside theinterior 8 of the platform 10 allows the user to grasp the bar, handles,straps, hooks or the like 225 secured to the second end 63 of therope(s) 61 to therein perform exercises.

In an embodiment, the bottom 3 of the generally horizontal platform 10may have a plurality of independently adjustable feet 255. The pluralityof adjustable feet 255 may allow the device 1 to be properly leveled ona floor or may allow a user to utilize the exercise machine in aninclined manner (not shown). Further, in an embodiment, the adjustablefeet 255 may also have a padded region (not shown) which protects thefloor from scratches.

The main benefit of the present exercise machine 1 is that, if the firstperson 280 accidentally slips or must otherwise stop providing theupward pushing force against the bar, handles, straps, hooks or the like225, the only downward pressure would be the actual weight of the bar,handles, straps, hooks or the like 225 and a portion of the ropes 61.More specifically, in a normal weight bench, if the first person 280could not support the weight of the weight bar, the weight bar wouldcome crashing down on the person if the person did not have properspotters. Further, in weight benches having a twisting locking device,the safety stops at the bottom of those benches often prevent the personfrom bringing the weight bar fully down to his/her chest.

In the present exercise machine 1, if the person exercising 280 cannotsupport the pressure of the bar, handles, straps, hooks or the like 225and stops pushing upward, the force downward is very minimal; limited tothe actual weight of the bar, handles, straps, hooks or the like 225 anda portion of the ropes 61. Thus, a person exercising may only have tosupport approximately ten to twenty pounds of downward pressure asopposed to a normal weight bench wherein a user would have the constantweight of, for example, a couple hundred pounds pulling down on theperson by gravity. As a result, the present exercise machine 1 issubstantially safer than traditional weight benches. More specifically,the downward force of the bar, handles, straps, hooks or the like 225 ispredominately generated from the downward pulling of the ropes 61 andnot from gravity.

When using the device 1, the first person 280 may assume a multitude ofbody positions either free-standing or supported via support mechanism285 (FIG. 5) such as, for example, a flat bench, a chair, an inclinedbench, a declined bench, a stool or a Roman chair. The first person 280may select between the interchangeable bar, handles, straps, hooks orthe like 225 in order to exploit the external force initially generatedby the second person 275 to provide the unique and safe means of evokingmeaningful stimulation to ultimately efficiently achieve skeletalmuscular adaptation and/or hypertrophy.

The first person 280 may simply and safely pre-determine the intensityof stimulus experienced. For example, the first person 280 (such as arehab client) may limit the intensity of exertion to, for example,thirty percent (30%) of perceive maximum; therefore the first person 280may elect to only push back into the bar, handles, straps, hooks or thelike 225 with their pre-determined thirty percent (30%) of perceived maxintensity level. Alternatively, the first person 280 may desire toefficiently evoke muscular hypertrophy and may therein elect to exert,for example, one hundred percent (100%) of their perceived maximum. Theexercise machine 1 in-part exploits Newton's 3rd Law of Motion: forevery force there's and equal and opposing force. Due to this very law,once the first person 280 decides to reduce his or her exertion to zero,there is virtually no opposing force, therefore the safety of the device1 is unparalleled and substantially safer than any other piece ofresistive equipment presently on the market. In addition, a user mayelectively intermittingly push upward on the bar, handles, straps, hooksor the like 225 and then rest without the risk of injury from the forceof the bar, handles, straps, hooks or the like 225 crashing down uponthe user.

In addition, the first person 280 may elect to consistently orintermittently push back into the bar, handles, straps, hooks or thelike 225 while the trainer has control of: the velocity of travel of thebar, handles, straps, hooks or the like 225; distance of travel of thebar, handles, straps, hooks or the like 225 and direction of travel ofthe bar, handles, straps, hooks or the like 225.

Referring now to FIG. 6, as illustrated from the back, in a method ofusing the device 1, the first person 280 may push upward (Force B) asthe bar, handles, straps, hooks or the like 225 is forced downward(Force A). In particular, the first person 280 may push upward at apressure equal to the downward force (Force A) applied by the secondperson 275 (not illustrated in FIG. 6). The downward force (Force A) ispredominately created by the second person 275 manually turning thecrank 75 which pulls the rope 61 and therein bar, handles, straps, hooksor the like 225 downward, as opposed to, for example, a person placingweights on a weight bar and pushing up against gravity. As a result, ifthe first person 280 were to suddenly stop pushing upward (Force B), thedownward force (Force A) would substantially stop (aside from thenegligible physical weight of a portion of the ropes 61 and the lightweight bar, handles, straps, hooks or the like 225). Of course, for thefirst person 280 to push upward (Force B) at a force equal to thedownward force (Force A) on the ropes 61 any slack in the ropes 61 wouldneed to be removed and the ropes 61 would need to be tight. As furtherillustrated in FIG. 6, in an embodiment, two ropes 61 may extend upwardfrom the platform 10 and may attach to each side of the bar, handles,straps, hooks or the like 225 and wherein the bar, handles, straps,hooks or the like 225 may substantially extend across the platform 10,from the first side 6 to the second side 7 of the device 1.

Referring now to FIG. 7, in an alternative embodiment, the verticaltower 20 portion may be removed and the device may simply operate as aplatform 10 having the remaining elements. In particular, the manualcrank 75 may be located on, for example, the top 2 of the platform 10.Finally, referring now to FIG. 8, a top view of the device 1 isprovided. In this figure, handles 225 are secured to the ropes 61 asopposed to a bar 225 as shown in FIG. 6.

Although embodiments of the invention are shown and described therein,it should be understood that various changes and modifications to thepresently preferred embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in theart. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the invention and without diminishing itsattendant advantages.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An exercise machine comprising: a platformforming a housing wherein the platform has a top, a bottom, a front, aback, a first side, a second side and an interior; at least one rope,strap or chain located within the interior of the platform wherein therope, strap or chain has a first end and a second end; at least one gearlocated within the interior of the platform wherein the rope, strap orchain is in contact with the gear and wherein the gear alters thedirection of the rope, strap or chain within the interior of theplatform; at least one opening located on the top of the platformwherein the rope, strap or chain extends from within the interior of theplatform and partially out of the opening on the top of the platformsuch that the second end of the rope, strap or chain is located on thetop of the platform; wherein the first end of the rope, strap or chainis controlled by a manual crank; and wherein during use a first personis positioned on the top of the platform and wherein a second personcontrols the manual crank so that a downward force is applied to therope, strap or chain and pulls the rope, strap or chain downward towardthe top of the platform and wherein the first person pushes upward onthe rope, strap or chain to perform an exercise.
 2. The exercise machineof claim 1 further comprising: a bar, handle, strap or hook secured tothe second end of the rope, strap or chain wherein the first persongrasps the bar, handle, strap or hook and pushes the bar, handle, strapor hook in an upward, vertical manner with respect to the platform. 3.The exercise machine of claim 1 further comprising: a second housingwherein the second housing has a top, a bottom, a front, a back, a firstside, a second side and an interior and wherein the second housing issecured to the platform housing wherein the second housing is generallyin a vertical orientation with respect to the platform housing which isgenerally in a horizontal orientation and wherein the second housing andthe platform housing form a right angle.
 4. The exercise machine ofclaim 1 further comprising: a slip resistant tape secured to the top ofthe platform housing.
 5. The exercise machine of claim 1 furthercomprising: a plurality of adjustable feet secured to the bottom of theplatform housing wherein each of the plurality of adjustable feet may beadjusted independently to level the platform housing.
 6. The exercisemachine of claim 3 further comprising: a pad secured to an exterior ofthe second housing.
 7. The exercise machine of claim 3 furthercomprising: a handle secured to the second housing for stabilizing thesecond person.
 8. The exercise machine of claim 3 further comprising: aplurality of worm or planetary gears located within the interior of thesecond housing; and a plurality of belts located within the interior ofthe second housing wherein turning of the manual crank by the secondperson controls the movement of the plurality of worm or planetary gearsand the movement of the plurality of belts of the interior of the secondhousing and wherein movement of the plurality of worm or planetary gearsand the movement of the plurality of belts pulls the second end of therope, strap or chain downward toward the top of the platform housing. 9.The exercise machine of claim 1 further comprising: a pipe having aninterior located within the interior of the housing of the platformwherein the rope, strap or chain passes through the interior of the pipeand wherein the pipe keeps the rope, strap or chain substantially in astraight line and therein prevents the rope, strap or chain frombecoming tangled.
 10. A method of exercising comprising: providing aplatform forming a housing wherein the platform has a top, a bottom, afront, a back, a first side, a second side and an interior; providing atleast one rope, strap or chain located within the interior of theplatform wherein the rope, strap or chain has a first end and a secondend; providing at least one gear located within the interior of theplatform wherein the rope, strap or chain is in contact with the gearand wherein the gear alters the direction of the rope, strap or chainwithin the interior of the platform; providing at least one openinglocated on the top of the platform wherein the rope, strap or chainextends from within the interior of the platform and partially out ofthe opening on the top of the platform such that the second end of therope, strap or chain is located on the top of the platform; wherein thefirst end of the rope, strap or chain is controlled by a manual crank;wherein a first person is positioned on the top of the platform andwherein a second person controls the manual crank so that a downwardforce is applied to the rope, strap or chain and pulls the rope, strapor chain downward toward the top of the platform and wherein the firstperson pushes upward on the rope, strap or chain to perform an exercise;and wherein the force generated by the second person using the manualcrank to pull the rope, strap or chain downward toward the top of thehousing plus the negligible weight of the rope, strap or chain isequaled by the first person pushing upward on the rope, strap or chainupward to counter the downward force.
 11. The method of exercising ofclaim 10 wherein turning of the manual crank by the second personcreates an 18:1 ratio movement of the second end of the rope, strap orchain.